David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer

Posted:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 8:46 PM

Turns out, one of Jamie Moyer's most important pitching performances of the season was also his last.

The 46-year-old lefthander, who helped protect a three-run lead Tuesday night by recording four outs in the sixth and seventh innings to set Ryan Madson up for a six-out save, will have season-ending surgery to repair three torn tendons in his lower abdominal and groin, which he suffered on his final pitch of the Phillies' 7-4 win over Houston.

"You know what? You deal with it," Moyer said. "That's life, and you roll with the punches. I'm not going to complain about it. I had a good run here. My time isn't over here. I'm going to enjoy it, make the best of it, and be a cheerleader."

Team doctor Michael Ciccotti said he was optimistic that Moyer would be ready to return by the start of spring training, a timetable he said is not uncommon even for a player of Moyer's advanced age.

"This is an injury that does occur at all ages of professional pitchers," Ciccotti said. "The results are pretty consistent regardless of the age group. We talk about age and we talk about chronologic age and physiologic age. There are some players who are older and are very youthful in their ability to heal, and there's no question that Jamie has all those qualities."

Moyer was unwilling to look ahead to next season.

"We're worried about right now and having fun and enjoying ourselves," Moyer said in a jubilant clubhouse after the Phillies clinched the division title.